Maine Coon Personality: Why They’re Considered The Dogs of the Cat World

Often referred to as “the dog of the cat world,” Maine Coons are known for their canine-like depositions. When describing the Maine Coon cat’s personality, some words that come to mind are goofy, independent, devoted, affectionate, cuddly, friendly, and dog-like. After watching this video, the term “dog-like” is an understatement.

Maine Coon cats are different than other cat breeds because they actually seek out and enjoy human companionship. Unlike some shy breeds, Maine Coons are very social family members. This is a pet who prefers to be in the company of his family, similar to the way that a dog likes to be around its family. Sometimes they seem like pack animals.

While not overly dependent on their humans, the Maine Coon is known to see you off before work and greet you at the door when you arrive home in the evening. When company arrives, he’ll be right there to greet the guests, who will be surprised to meet such a friendly cat. They make great buddies for children and generally get along well with other pets.

They love to run and play outside, but it’s often best that they stay indoors due to safety concerns. Maine Coons are very smart and agile, capable of using their front paws to scoop up food or toys. They like to dunk favorite toys in water bowls. Doesn’t this make you wonder if we are still talking about a cat?

Just when you think that they can’t sound more like a dog trapped in a cat’s body, the Maine Coon surprises us again. Never would I have ever imagined that I would witness a cat playing fetch with a ball, but this Maine Coon proves once again how dog-like their personalities can be. Featured in the video, a Maine Coon cat is enjoying a game of fetch with her owner.

As you watch the video, you notice that she is actually waiting for the command to get the ball, and she then springs off of the couch to rush to the toy. She even comes when she is called! Quickly fetching the ball and bringing it back, she continues playing as her other kitty pal watches from the sidelines. Ironically the only time that this cat is distracted is when she hears the sound of dogs barking. At the end of the video, she begins batting at the ball with her paws, an instinctive cat behavior similar to the way it would strike at a mouse. It is then that I am jolted back to the reality that although she seems so canine-like, this Coonie still is a cat at heart.

You can also read:

• 20 Things Only Maine Coon Cat Owners Would Understand
• A Complete Price Guide for Maine Coon Cats
• 20 Fun Facts You Didn’t Know About Maine Coon Cats